Concerning Symptoms

[NiallS]

Hi all,

I have been looking through the internet recently to try find some reassurance for my brother who is experiencing some worrying symptoms. I was wondering if here was the right place to go.

Firstly he is 26 and has been fairly health and fit all his life. Lately however he has been complaining of achy pain in his legs and arms and a lot of pain in his upper and lower back.He has also noticed cognitive changes, struggling with short term memory and is finding it very difficult to focus on anything saying he feels ‘spaced out’ most of the time. He has noticed some vertigo and balance issues lately as well. He had an MRI of the spine and it all came back clear and an MRI on the brain and that too came back clear. The doctor did find that his reflexes in both his arms and legs were very brisk and his fingers have started to twitch in both hands over the past two weeks when he extends them. We are currently awaiting an appointment with a neurologist but have been told that this could take up to 3 months to be seen. My brother’s life has been impacted greatly by this and he really struggles to do anything anymore and this from a guy who was always very active. Anyone else experience this? I know his age would make a condition like MND unlikely but we are all very concerned. I appreciate any advice given.
Niall

[Terry]

Hi Nails and welcome to the forum;

Sorry to hear about your brothers problems.

It is very unlikely to be Mnd because it does not star with pain or memory problems. A time scale of problems might be useful.

Best wishes, Terry

[NiallS]

Hi Terry,

So the pain issues have gradually got worse over the last few months but have particularly picked up since about December. The hand termors are only since about 2 weeks ago. Cognitive issues have been ongoing for about 3 months now and nothing seems to make them subside making focussing on anything very difficult. The brisk reflexes have probably been there awhile but only recognised by a doctor about a month ago.

[Lynne K]

Hi Niall, I’m sorry about your brothers nasty symptoms. I agree with Terry that it would be unusual for MND to start this way. Good luck for an appropriate diagnosis from the neurologist and helpful medications started. If 3 months seems to far away then maybe your brother could speak with his GP to see if a sooner appointment is possible. Most likely not though. Take care, Lynne

[NiallS]

Hi Lynne,
Thanks I appreciate that.

Would the brisk reflexes be of concern? They are very brisk even the slightest tap and they react very drastically. They are symmetrical across the body and in fairness there isn’t several beats after they have been tested just one dramatic jump. I know when we have googled anything it’s all seems like it’s a fairly bad sign and the gp hasn’t told him anything either unfortunately.

He was also saying that his eyes hurt and are a little blurry at times too. Not sure if that is related or not but I thought I’d put it in too

[Ellie]

Sorry your brother is experiencing those symptoms, Niall.

MND is a disease of the motor neurons but he doesn't seem to have any motor involement? Has he muscle failure anywhere? Strength tests OK?

MND doesn't present as you describe but I can understand why you are all so worried - maybe the Neurologist operates a cancellation list for appointments?

Best wishes to you all.

Love Ellie.

[NiallS]

Hi Ellie,

The doctor only did a brief strength test on the legs finding that left leg may be slightly weaker than the right 4.5 and 5 I think he judged them. In terms of motor function he has not experienced any failure but he has said its much harder to do things and he feels very clumsy and unbalanced. Given his age and lack of family history of mnd I do think it unlikely but would love to know what it is at this stage! Yes he is on a cancellation list so fingers crossed we can get seen soon. Thanks very much for the help everyone

Niall